Artwork

Coronation spoon

Coronation spoon, by Archibald Knox, unspecified, 1902
Coronation spoon, by Archibald Knox, unspecified, 1902

Coronation spoon is an unspecified painting by the Art Nouveau artist Archibald Knox. It dates from 1902 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The object is a carved wooden spoon dating from 1902, notable for its elongated, narrow handle and a shallow, broad bowl.

About this work

The bowl is wide and shallow, decorated with simple lines that look like knots or leaves.

This is a single object, a spoon, carved from dark wood. The handle is long and narrow, with a twisted pattern near the top. The bowl is wide and shallow, decorated with simple lines that look like knots or leaves. The wood is smooth but shows some wear, especially around the carvings.

The spoon’s name, Coronation spoon, is carved into the bowl, along with the year 1902. It’s not a kitchen tool but more like a piece of art, made to look special.

If you like this kind of detailed carving, look up Archibald Knox.

Overview

The object is a carved wooden spoon dating from 1902, notable for its elongated, narrow handle and a shallow, broad bowl. The surface bears the inscription “Coronation spoon” and the year of its creation. Though shaped like a utensil, its primary purpose is decorative, reflecting the aesthetic concerns of its maker rather than culinary function.

Subject & Meaning

The spoon’s design incorporates stylized motifs reminiscent of knots and leaves, arranged in simple linear patterns that evoke natural forms. The twisted element near the handle’s upper end adds a rhythmic visual interest, while the inscription ties the piece to a specific ceremonial event, suggesting it was intended as a commemorative object rather than everyday use.

Technique & Style

Carved from dark wood, the spoon exhibits a smooth finish with subtle wear around the detailed relief work. The linear, flowing ornamentation aligns with the Art Nouveau movement’s emphasis on organic lines, while the geometric twist hints at the Celtic Revival influence that characterized the maker’s broader oeuvre.

History & Provenance

Created by Archibald Knox, a Manx designer active in the early twentieth century, the spoon entered the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Knox, best known for his work with Liberty & Co., produced designs across several movements, and this piece reflects his engagement with decorative metalwork translated into wood.

Context

The early 1900s saw a convergence of Arts and Crafts ideals, Celtic motifs, and emerging modernist tendencies. Knox’s work embodied this synthesis, and the Coronation spoon exemplifies how functional forms were reimagined as artistic statements within that cultural milieu, bridging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design trends.

Untitled
Untitled, Silvia Bächli

Artist & collection

Portrait of Archibald Knox

Artist

Archibald Knox

Archibald Knox (9 April 1864 – 22 February 1933), was a Manx designer of Scottish descent.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Coronation spoon?

Coronation spoon was painted by Archibald Knox in 1902-01-01.

Where can I see Coronation spoon?

Coronation spoon is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Coronation spoon?

Coronation spoon is associated with Art Nouveau.